Issue 13, May 2010, of the bi-annual journal, 'Le Chéile', has just been published and circulated to schools in the North.
The journal, a publication of St Mary's University College, aims to celebrate and promote the vision of Catholic education locally:
• By identifying, exploring and promoting ways in which this vision can be lived in Catholic schools.
• By seeking to empower teachers with a renewed and revitalised sense of the spirituality and vocational nature of teaching.
• By aiming to encourage and inform practitioners in Catholic education locally.
This edition’s editorial is entitled: ‘Activating Ethos’ It reads as follows: We have become accustomed to the mantra that Western Europe is becoming ever more secular. Fewer people from the mainline Christian traditions are attending their respective churches. Sociologists like Grace Davie, however, are keen to remind people of faith that all is not lost. Instead, she points to the importance of what she terms ‘vicarious religion’ and to the notion of faith lived and celebrated by an active minority on behalf of a much larger number, who, implicitly at least, not only understand, but, quite clearly, approve of what the minority is doing.
This notion of active minorities who embody belief and moral codes on behalf of, and in the service of, others can be useful in trying to reimagine the shape of Catholic schools in the decades to come. Catholic schools make their distinctive contribution to the common good because they are served and supported by staff and parents (be they a minority or majority) who share a particular vision of schools as communities of explicit witness to faith in God. Catholic schools – often in countries where Catholics are a small minority - share in the mission of the Church by offering quality teaching and integral education to all. They propose the Christian faith to pupils and students explicitly in RE classes, prayer and liturgies, and, implicitly, by the testimony, nurturing, sharing and commitment to justice that is done through other subjects, pastoral care, social outreach and the daily rhythm of school life. In one way or another, each school community is called to demonstrate a way of being and living in the world which is shaped by Christian faith and which seeks to make a difference.
The articles in this edition are as follows:
- Dr John Murray of the Mater Dei Institute in Dublin, outlines a case for respecting parents’ right to choose such a faith-based education for their children and outlines the key characteristics of a well-grounded Catholic education.
- Bishop Donal McKeown discusses the need for renewal in our Church in light of the ongoing clerical abuse crisis and underlines the need to be confident about the work and values which inform our schools.
An outstanding example of the power for good which an active minority can manifest is explored in
- Geraldine Magennis’ poignant description of Loreto Sealdah School in India. Though under-resourced by our Western standards, she was deeply moved by the school’s warmth, academic commitment, energy and sense of connectedness between staff and pupil.
- In a similar vein, Bernie Ferguson explains how the Derry Diocese’s ‘Ambassador of Saint Paul Award’ aims to encourage students to deepen their faith and to reach out in solidarity and compassion towards those in need in the wider community.
- Olive Delahauty sets out how her school endeavours to deepen its understanding and living out of its particular Sacred Heart ethos.
- Staff and students need to be resourced spiritually for these tasks, so
- Stephen McKinney and Robert J. Hill rightly urge Catholic educators to a deeper engagement with Scripture.
- And, writing in Irish, Brian O Fearraigh offers a reflection on the Eucharist as the source of nourishment par excellence for teachers.
- On the eve of retirement, Sarah Kelly, principal of Thornhill College, looks back fondly on people and events from her long teaching career.
- Dermot McCartan’s shares his impressions of St Anselm College in New Hampshire, arguing that its Benedictine ethos, with its commitment to academic excellence and the need to build a sense of genuine community and service, may have much to offer the wider world of education.
- And with an eye to reflection and pedagogy around last things, Madeline Lombard explores the power of the visual and the symbolic in helping us recall those who have died, as she remembers, with both grief and gratitude, her own late father.
- Students too have their say in this edition.
- Eimear McShane discusses her role in sacramental preparation classes in Newry
- And students from St Pius X College explore the inspiration behind the setting up of Trócaire and reflect on the importance of our helping people in need in the developing world.
In one way or another, whether as active minorities or majorities, Catholic Educational communities make a positive contribution.
For further information please contact Rev Dr Niall Coll.